January 10-14, 2022 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN NEWS: A SEASON TO REMEMBER! |
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Despite a wooden wall behind the choir seated in the chancel, sheets of plastic flapping in the breeze, and a limitation of 100 in-person congregants at each Christmas Eve service, our children's pageant and other seasonal services occurred without a hitch.
John Turmelle, our Facilities Team Manager, reports the basic skylight has been installed, but some work continues on the north wall, shimming the frame and installing permanent fasteners. The glass walls surrounding the chancel are almost in place.
Happily, current expenses have not exceeded the renovation budget. Some funds have been reallocated for the replacement of the existing carpet with a new cork floor covering in the foyer, the east and west wings, and the front office. The two small business offices, the library, and Rev. John's office will receive a new carpet. Additionally, Goody Clancy, the architectural firm originally hired for the project, is evaluating possible changes to the chancel.
These renovations may continue a while longer. Nevertheless, whether by ZOOM or in-person attendance, enjoy the amazing progress of our project.
(photo credits: Beth Cliff, Rob Herman, John Turmelle, Rob Zuckerman)
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We were able to worship "as normal" for the season. |
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This is our Dec 19 service with the O&A Singers. |
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The Children's Pageant proceeded without a hitch.... |
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... the Candlelight Service too.
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... it's beginning to look different! |
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Looking at the North Wall of the chancel. The two pieces above the stage weigh over 700-pounds each.
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They were set in place with the small blue crane on the east side of the sanctuary. |
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New glass set in. Insulating glass below and temp glass above. |
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These two workers are over 1/2 a football field away as they finish the skylight.... |
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Tada! The last piece of glass was installed in the skylight, December 17. |
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Adult Faith Formation and Soul Matters are pleased to be offering a wide variety of programs this winter to accommodate different interests, learning styles, and schedules. For now, all are on ZOOM. Please check our website for updates. Note new programming, below. Questions? Contact Linda Lubin. |
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NEW! INTRO TO CREATIVITY MATTERS - TUES, JAN 11 - 7:00 PM
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Join artist, author, and teacher Janet Luongo on ZOOM for a sample of our new Adult Faith Formation Program, Creativity Matters (which requires no artistic skill). In this introductory session you will experience an activity on the theme of Intention, hear about the course concept, methods, and choices for participant involvement, and ask your questions. If you enjoy the sample, you can sign up for the full 5-session monthly program which will be offered the 2nd Tuesdays of the month, from February 8 to June 8.
Each month you will receive inspiring prompts for reflection and creative expression and come together to share your process with the group. Contact Janet Luongo for ZOOM link. |
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NEW! BRAIDING SWEETGRASS: MONDAYS JAN 17+, 7-8:15 PM REGISTER BY JAN 15; SPACE IS LIMITED
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Based on the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Grandmother Nancy Andry, Kim Warman, and Rev. Jim Francek will facilitate a bi-monthly virtual discussion beginning Monday January 17. Dates will be: January 17 and 31; February 14 and 28; March 14 and 28, and April 18. 7:00-8:15 PM.
Kimmerer eloquently uses the indigenous cultures’ sacred plant, sweetgrass, as a poetic metaphor to explain the origins of plant, animal, and human life on Mother Earth, their intertwined relationships, and the hope of ecological restoration to return the gifts of Mother Earth, and the balance that once was. The book is “meant to heal our relationship with the world” by weaving together the three strands of indigenous ways of knowing.
To register contact jimfrancek25@gmail.com by January 15. Space is limited. Please acquire your own copy of this book.
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NEW! SACRED TEXT DISCUSSIONS: SUNDAYS, 9-9:45 AM
JANUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 20
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Here is an opportunity to listen and learn with each other, as we delve into the words and legacy of some wise leaders and thinkers that have graced our world, over time. These texts are short passages chosen by our six facilitators, who will share them and then invite us to comment, react and be thoughtful: What does this mean for us today? How does it shape our lives and the choices we make? For further info click HERE or contact Beth Cliff. Thank you in advance to our discussion leaders Rev. John (1/16) , Diane Cano (1/23), Dayle Brownstein (1/30), Rainy Broomfield (2/6), Kim Warman (2/13) and Beth Cliff (2/20).
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UU WRITERS: THURSDAY JAN. 20, 1:00 PM or 7:00 PM ON ZOOM |
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All are welcome to UUWriters, an online small group that explores monthly themes through creative writing. You can come to the afternoon or evening class on January 20. Each participant will receive a packet containing a choice of writing exercises to choose from as well as poems, songs, and prose for inspiration. We respond to each other's writing using Soul Matters deep listening techniques to create an environment of self-discovery. Contact Sari Bodi for further information and a ZOOM link.
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MLK JR. CELEBRATION NEXT SUNDAY JANUARY, 16, 3:00 PM
Virtual and In Person
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The 16th annual MLK program featuring renowned author Heather McGhee will take place at the Westport Library. Her book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, spent 10 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the National Book Award. Her 2020 TED talk, "Racism Has a Cost for Everyone", reached 1million views in just two months online.
The program will also include elements by two local youth organizations; a recital by the Bridgeport Boys Choir and a dance performed by the Regional Center for the Arts. The2023 MLK celebration will be held at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Please sign up for the event here. There are in-person and virtual options.
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SIGN A PETITION HERE FROM CT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
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Tell school superintendents: lockdowns aren't enough! Ask parents to secure their guns. Students can’t learn, and teachers can’t teach, if they aren't safe in their schools. School district superintendents and boards of education need to do more than lockdown drills to protect students, teachers and staff from the threat of gun violence. They need to address a root cause of school shootings: the irresponsible behavior of gun owners who don’t securely store their firearms.
Two-thirds of school shooters obtain the gun they used from their home or the home of a relative. Without unsupervised access to his mother’s assault rifle, 20 Sandy Hook School first-graders and six educators would still be alive. Please CLICK HERE to sign and share this petition. More Guns Locked Up. Fewer Lockdowns. |
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RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION:
CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES & COMMUNITY ACTION
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 11:00 AM ON ZOOM
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We are excited to welcome Peter Harrison, Senior Policy Fellow at Desegregate Connecticut, a coalition of neighbors and nonprofits that believes in creating abundant, diverse housing in service of equity, inclusive prosperity, and a cleaner environment.
To follow up on our November 7 showing of “ Segregated by Design,” Mr. Harrison will discuss racial segregation and it’s consequences in Connecticut as well as laws, policies and community efforts to create more diverse, inclusive neighborhoods. Rev. Morehouse will moderate this program, which will also feature artwork, music and a Q&A session with our speaker, who will share actions we can take to advance equity and justice. |
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REMEMBERING OUR LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS |
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LAWRENCE N. WATERBURY passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017. He and his wife Francine became Westport residents in 1965. He was a long time member of the Unitarian Church in Westport. Lawrence was a Certified Public Accountant and maintained a local practice in Westport since 1969. At the time of his passing, he was still practicing and maintained over 60 active clients.
Lawrence was frugal but extremely generous. Some time ago, he created an irrevocable trust whose sole purpose was to donate to worthy non-profits. We are grateful for receiving his gift.
He was active with the Y's Men of Westport and the local bridge club where he was known for his wry sense of humor and frequent joke telling. Once he came to TUCW wearing a red MAGA hat to see what the response would be – no one said a word! He is remembered in the Memorial Garden.
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Mondays: 6-7:30 PM via ZOOM Buddhist Practice Group Nina Nagy Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis. Podcast Discussions with Rev. John meet first Mondays of the month, 7-8 PM on ZOOM HERE. Linda Lubin
Tuesdays: 7:30-8:15 AM. MOVING! (Virtual) low impact aerobics. Joanne Glasser Orenstein 11AM-12 noon (on hiatus until Jan 18) Interfaith Theology RSVP HERE
Fridays: Every other Fri (next, Jan 14),12:30-2PM. Shawl Ministry ZOOM Jan Braunle.
First Fridays of the month 12-1PM Awakenings lunch ZOOM Kathy Roberts
Saturdays: 12:00 noon- 4 PM John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita
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Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access
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Fierce Self-Compassion book discussion and self reflection workshop Mondays January 10, 17, 24, 31. 7-8:30 PM. Based on the book Fierce Self-Compassion and research and empirically supported practices of Dr. Kristin Neff, we will explore what it means to have self-compassion as we work to manifest change within ourselves and the world. For more information and the ZOOM link, contact Carol Hamilton
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Sacred Circles with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, January 18, 7-8:30 PM. (FIrst and third Tuesdays) Talking circle, thought-provoking conversations. ZOOM HERE Contact Pat Francek
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PASTORAL CARE
If you are going through a challenging time or know somebody in the congregation who needs support from our Pastoral Care Chaplains, call to leave a confidential message in the PCA voice mailbox 203-227-7205 ext. 19 or email pca@uuwestport.org.
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ADDICTION RECOVERY
For individuals or families of our congregation seeking confidential support or information about addiction issues. Please contact our Addiction Recovery Ministry by calling 203-227-7205 ext. 19 or emailing pca@uuwestport.org
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The Unitarian Church in Westport is a diverse and welcoming religious community, free of creed and dogma, and open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
WE INSPIRE and support individual spiritual growth.
WE CONNECT through worship, music, learning, and caring ministries.
WE ACT in the service of peace and justice.
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